Best walks to or from Lewisham

Lewisham Station to Cutty Sark for Maritime [Greenwich Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/kent/cutty-sark-for-maritime-greenwich)

particularly amazing views across the city from the hills above Greenwich. A short but strenuous walk using Lewisham Hill, Greenwich Park and Blackheath common, with steep climbs and a short steep descent. On the heath there is no pavement, only grass verges and gravel tracks and which can be muddy in wet weather but somehow stay reasonable. Greenwich Park is locked at night; use Crooms Hill instead. The Avenue offers a gentler parallel incline in the park.

Easy: 2km, moderate ascents.

Steep hill, with a short steep descent into Greenwich. No pavement across the heath, only grass verges. Shooters Hill Road is busy; cross at the pelican crossing. Greenwich Park is locked at night.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Lewisham Station to Blackheath Station

wide skies, wildflowers, views of the Docklands towers. A short but hilly walk: a steep climb from Lewisham up leafy suburban streets to the open common of Blackheath, with wide skies, wildflowers and grass paths and then a downhill finish into Blackheath. Good underfoot and fine for wheels. If open, the tiny artist-run White Box Gallery on Hare and Billet Road is right on the route. Use the paths weaving through the grass rather than sticking rigidly to the roads.

Easy: 2km, moderate ascents.

A steep (around 11%) climb up to the Heath from the Lewisham end. Exposed and blowy across the open common.

Lunch: Plenty of shops and cafés at either end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Lewisham Station

A very quiet, mostly traffic-free route following the River Ravensbourne along the Waterlink Way, largely through Ladywell Fields parkland where the river has been rewilded, with quiet residential streets and a small park. Good for wheels and though there are gradients over a spiral footbridge. Follows Sustrans cycle route 21 and the Waterlink Way, so very well signposted. Look out for parakeets, kingfishers and herons; in Ladywell Fields there is street art and a huge mulberry tree.

Easy: 3km, gentle ascents.

There is one unavoidable busy road about 100m from the end point.

Lunch: In Ladywell Fields there is a nice café and public toilets with limited opening.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Peckham [Rye Station](/train-stations/south-east-england/surrey/peckham-rye) to Lewisham Station

There are views from Hilly Fields. A straightforward walk across SE London through back streets and green spaces, with some steep ups and downs. It includes a steep, rough, gravelly and unlit footpath alongside Nunhead Cemetery and a busy stretch along Rye Lane. Nunhead Cemetery makes an interesting detour during opening hours.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

The footpath up the side of Nunhead Cemetery is very steep, rough and unlit; consider cutting through the cemetery in daylight or taking a road alternative after dark. Busy major roads at the Lewisham end.

Lunch stop: Hilly Fields cafe.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route